Capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide via carbonation reaction in magnesium-rich tailings; towards decarbonization of nickel mining industry

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This proposal pertains to the development of an economic and technically viable process for capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide via a carbonation reaction in magnesium-rich tailings for Canada Nickel Company's nickel mining project. The objective of the project is to remove, capture and sequestrate 100% of the carbon dioxide produced in this future mining operation, and even potentially consider further carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere with the excess capacity of the operation. The tailings of this mining project, similar to some other mining projects and operations in Canada and around the globe, are rich in magnesium minerals. Those minerals have strong affinity for carbon dioxide adsorption, i.e. reaction with carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is possible to fix a substantial amount of carbon dioxide in the tailings site of the future mining plant, as solid carbon dioxide containing minerals. The focus of this project is the development of a processing flowsheet, its optimization and modelling of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration capacity of the Canada Nickel Company nickel mining project. This research stands to benefit Canada as it highlights industry-led green technology incentivized by the Federal carbon pricing model. It will serve as a proof of concept for carbon sequestration in full-scale mines and motivate other Canadian operations to pursue similar technologies.